Where is Everyone?

I just returned from being off from work for the Christmas Holiday to discover that many of my colleagues are still off. Luckily before the break I tried to catch up on emails and smaller, but important tasks. Now that I have returned, I am finding that many of the things I want to work on are going to have to wait until certain individuals return. What should I do now?

Embrace “deep work.” – Don’t spend this uninterrupted time just catching up on emails! Use it to develop some long-range goals or craft some new innovations. When there are not too many people at work the emails slow to a manageable number that can be pushed aside.

Clean up minor tasks. – This could be as simple as cleaning off your desk (a perfect task to help you embrace the new year) or finalizing evaluations or reports. I always find that this time is perfect for cleaning out my files.

Build your network. – Step away from your desk, find someone else who is back from the holidays, and go to lunch! This is the perfect opportunity to establish some meaningful connections with others in different departments.

Being one of the few people at work can be lonely, but it is also a great time to re-establish your roots at work. Clark sums it up best by writing that the “…reward for holding down the fort is uninterrupted time to embrace meaningful work, clear out the cobwebs that have been hindering your productivity, and extra time to connect with colleagues and build a robust network.”

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Kevin King

Kevin King is the Head of Branch and Circulation Services at the Kalamazoo (MI) Public Library. Previously Kevin led Teen Services at KPL, where he helped build a nationally recognized program. Kevin has presented all over the country on many topics including teen services, innovation, graphic novels, and programming. As a member of ALA, YALSA, PLA and the Michigan Library Association, Kevin has served on various committees and has luckily won a couple of awards. In his spare time Kevin obsesses over the Detroit Tigers, listens to music and does his best to be a kick ass dad to Abigail and Rachael.

One response to Where is Everyone?

Oh, that first tip is for me! I go back the 3rd, but we don’t have students until mid-January. I really need to work on developing my instructional goals (I actually have to turn some in at work) and develop a plan to liaise with the faculty who work with undergrads in a few subjects. Thanks!